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Fix Missing Accept or Reject Tracked Changes in Word for iPad
Question details
The user is unable to find or use the Accept, Reject, Next, and Previous controls for tracked changes following an interface update in the iPad app.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Reviewing a document containing tracked changes and comments on an iPad device.
- Observed behavior
- The controls for tracked changes appear to be missing, disabled, or replaced by comment controls, requiring extra clicks or making it impossible to approve or reject edits.
Verify that your document is not saved in a read-only format or stored in a restricted cloud folder, as this will disable all review and editing controls.
Select a Tracked Change Instead of a Comment
Because the updated interface handles comments and tracked changes differently, ensuring you select the correct text element will reveal the appropriate review buttons.
In recent updates to Word for iPad, the user interface groups review tools contextually. If you tap near a comment bubble, the app defaults to showing comment controls (Reply, Resolve, Delete) rather than the Accept/Reject buttons for tracked text changes.
Carefully tap on the actual highlighted text that represents a tracked insertion or deletion in the document.
Navigate to the top ribbon and tap the 'Review' tab to expand the review controls.
Look for the 'Accept' or 'Reject' buttons in the toolbar. If you selected a valid tracked change, these controls will now be active.
Submit Feedback for Interface Issues
If the controls remain completely missing or the new interface workflow is severely impacting your productivity, submit a report directly to the developers.
Review Tracked Changes Easily with WPS Office
If the updated Microsoft Word for iPad interface is slowing down your document review process, try WPS Office. It offers a familiar, user-friendly layout for tracking, accepting, and rejecting changes without the confusing extra clicks.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open your document: Launch the app and open your DOCX file containing the tracked changes.
- 3. Review changes seamlessly: Tap the 'Review' tab in the top toolbar to access clear, traditional Accept and Reject buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Accept and Reject buttons grayed out in Word for iPad?
This typically happens if the document is locked for editing, saved in a read-only location, or if you have selected a comment rather than an actual tracked text change. Ensure you have edit permissions and tap directly on a text edit.
Can I revert to the old Word for iPad interface?
No, Microsoft does not provide a built-in way to downgrade or revert to older user interfaces on iPadOS apps once they have been updated through the App Store.
How do I ensure all tracked changes are visible on my iPad?
Go to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and check your markup settings. Ensure that the display mode is set to 'All Markup' so every edit is visible on the screen.
